MEIC works to promote renewable energy alternatives in Montana.  Among the numerous, indispensable benefits are:

• the avoidance of air, water, and land pollution associated with fossil fuel-based power plants;
• the absence of greenhouse gas and mercury emissions; and
  
• insulating consumers from fuel price risk and from overdependence on any one energy source.

In 2005, Montana’s first commercial-scale wind project, the 135 megawatt project located at Judith Gap, was completed. MEIC worked closely with the developers and the utility to make this goal a reality. MEIC also worked with Montana Audubon and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that the project would adhere to high standards of environmental responsibility. 

MEIC has distributed hundreds of copies of its updated Citizens Guide to Energy Self-Sufficiency (for your copy, contact Patrick Judge or Sara Marino).

MEIC has been a strong supporter of the Universal System Benefits Program (USB), which provides funding for low-income energy assistance, conservation programs, and renewable energy projects.  MEIC also supports NorthWestern Energy’s E+ Green program, which allows electricity customers to choose environmentally preferred “green power” for as little as $2 extra per month.

See also:

Cost of Wind vs Fossil Fuels